Product Description
"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists."
-Chicago TribuneA Girl, A King, and the castle that changed them both Forever...
Charles I, king of England, thought that Carisbrooke Castle would be safe, an Isle of Wight refuge far from the madding crowd of Cromwell. But Charles ran straight into the arms of betrayal, his retreat morphing to prison and his allies few and far between.

Mary, a quiet servant girl in awe of her king and country, vaults into intrigue and danger as she helps to plot the king's escape.

A moving story of royal hopes and misfortunes, Mary of Carisbrooke is at its heart the tale of a charming girl who is as romantic and alluring as she is smart and bold. Loyal to herself and to the Crown, Mary's brush with history reveals just how quickly fate can shift the paths of power.

Review: A beautifully written tale blending sweetness and sadness.

Mary is a quiet girl of 17 with a sunny disposition and a helpful nature. Her father is the Sergeant of the Guard at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. Mary helps her Aunt Druscilla who is the housekeeper of the small household. Although they have to deal with the soldiers who came recently from London, the political struggles between the Cromwellian Parliament and King Charles I mean little to Mary and the other Islanders.

Mary’s quite life changes when the King, with several faithful retainers, escapes from Hampton Court, and seeks refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Although the King and his supporters thought he was being granted sanctuary, the Governor is a staunch “servant of Parliament” who promptly sends word to Parliament for instructions on how to handle the King’s ‘visit.’

The story portrays Mary’s dedication, gentleness, caring nature and quiet courage. She serves the King with dignity not only as a laundress but also by becoming involved with the intrigue of passing secret letters, planning and helping with escape attempts. Unfortunately, poor planning, problems and betrayal beset the escape efforts and one by one the King’s friends are removed from him. Mary becomes a source of comfort listening to his distress and trying to encourage him.

All of the King’s men, old and young, find Mary’s innocence and steadfastness to be charming. Mary blossoms into womanhood responding to the warm friendship of Harry Firebrace, the Groom of the Bedchamber. One of the other servants of the King, Richard Osborne, who has a bit of a reputation, tries to warn Mary to protect her heart. Meanwhile Mary is threatened by the unwanted attentions of the leering Captain Rolph who is fiercely ambitious and opposed to the King.

The author does a wonderful job setting the tone as I felt a sense of sadness and tragedy even though I did not know how the King’s story would end. The characters are developed with unique depths that make them very real, whether likeable or detestable. Some of the characters are caught in the political machinations and their ambivalence is conveyed as they are caught between official duty and private feelings.

The book started a bit slowly but I think that is part of the somber ambiance. It soon picked up and the intrigue, dangers, and personal relationships kept me engaged and wanting to know what happened to the King and to Mary. There are plenty of rich details creating a vivid picture of the Isle and Castle. These enhance the smooth flow of the story. If you enjoy historical fiction don’t miss this tender story.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Comment on the review and/OR tell me if knowing the historical outcome effects your reading of historical fiction...Do you ever stop while reading and look up the real people?

Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 17, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.
This Meme started with Marcia at The Printed Page but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts. The host for May is MariReads.

Because I have so many books on my TBR shelves and plenty in my review box I have not been entering too many giveaways. Not even the blog hops which are huge, have great prizes but are just too time consuming.
But I have managed to win a few books/giveaways since my last post in March.

by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan
To be honest I am not positive how I came by this ARC which releases June 1.
I know I saw it in THE HOT SHEET newsletter on March 2 from She Loves Hot Reads and St. Martin's Press but I can't quite figure out where I signed up to read or win it.

I won an Amazon Gift Card for $15.00 through the Wednesday Review party at Cym's. This is a favorite weekly event for me. I love posting a review there and getting to check out other reviews. Winner a GC is icing on the cake! Thank you CYM.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I finished six books (almost seven) this week, which surprised even me since both Historicals were on the long side. Reading the audio/audible books certainly speeds things along. I posted three reviews, one with ARC Giveaway and one with Audio and older print book Giveaway. I also posted a Splash into Summer Hop Giveaway, the Friday Pick Giveaway; Enquiring Mind Meme with Giveaway, Sunday post and a winners' post.

I visited a few blogs last week - still not as many as I would like.
These were last week's posts plus a Winners' posts not listed.

Product Description
What would happen if you discovered that your family was one of the most powerful in human history? What if you were told that the source of the family's power was hidden around the world, in the form of 39 Clues? What if you were given a choice - take a million dollars and walk away...or get the first Clue? If you're Amy and Dan Cahill, you take the Clue - and begin a very dangerous race.

I have finalized formats on Sword of Virtue by Joy Brooks so it is ready for final author read through and approval so this might get released this week.

Currently reading:Print: Virgin (Cat Star Chronicles Book #7) by Cheryl BrooksI started this for a review next week.

I do like sci fi romance. :-)

I am reviewing this for Sourcebooks.

Product Description
Zetithians have a feline gene that gives the males remarkable sexual prowess. Refugee Dax is no exception-but as a virgin, he has no idea how to use it. His fumbling attempts at romance fail to tempt the beautiful Ava, but he is determined to learn the art of love. Let the seduction begin...
Praise for Fugitive:
"This is a series that just gets better and better... It's sexy space travel at its finest."-Night Owl Romance
"A wonderful read full of excitement and action."-Romance at Heart

by Johanna LindseyI am almost finished this. I will post a review and print book giveaway this week.

Johanna Lindsey presents a sparkling, passionate Regency-era novel in which a beautiful but ruthless gossip meets her match in a dashing rake who sets out to change her wicked ways. Featuring two enthralling characters from the unforgettable bestseller The Heir, The Devil Who Tamed Her is a spirited new tale about the transforming power of true love.

Kindle: Undecided. I will probably get one of the June review books to read on Kindle.